Monday, August 25, 2008

Confession & Craving


Ok - I am craving to go back to Boot Camp.  I never thought I would want my alarm to go off at 5am but being out of the rhythm of boot camp over the last 2 weeks has been frustrating.  I am such a creature of rhythm and when my schedule is off and my rhythm is not consistent I have a hard time staying on track... so here is my confession.  This weekend I made cookies with my son... and Yes I had some.  I am going to see Dr. Steve tomorrow - I am so hoping that he tells me that I can start running.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Core Class

Since I can't run in boot camp right now I am taking CORE classes this week at the studio.  Even though its been 3 months since I had Gigi my abdominal muscles are still quite weak so its great that I can target theses muscles for a while.  I am encouraged because 6 weeks after the baby I couldn't even hold an a bridge for more than 5 seconds and I can now hold onto it for about 30 seconds before I start to get that desire to want to drop to my knees - but I hold on as long as I can.  The Core class with Heather was great last night.  I am off to see Dr. Steve again today - hoping my ankle continues to get stronger so that I can be back in boot camp by September.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Ice Ice Baby


I went to see Dr. Steve LaScala today and he did some of his miracle healing.  He did a bunch of stretches and massage work and then hooked me up to some electrical pulses for a while.  It is feeling a ton better but I am going to be doing quite a bit of Icing and Heat therapy for the next 10 to 14 days.  I am trying to not get discouraged.  I felt like I made a ton of progress over the past 6 weeks and its hard to have to now deal with an injury like this.  But I am committed!  So I will be in the studio at the CORE classes and then on to some Interval classes.  Hopefully I will be back at boot camp at the start of September.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

11 lb Baby... 11 lbs Lost in Boot Camp


Gigi is weighing in at around 11 lbs and I weighed myself today and that is the same amount of weight that I have lost since I started boot camp.  That equals out to about 1.5 to 2 lbs a week.  I am feeling better each day.  Of course I am like every other woman on the planet... I wish I could loose 10 lbs in a week - but I know that is not healthy and the weight will go right back on.  Losing weight through exercise and healthy eating is the best way to do it and I am proud of my 11 lbs and I am in love with my 11 lb baby!

On the road again...

I am sitting in the ATL airport getting ready to head out on another trip.  No surprise my flight is delayed so I am sitting in a Starbucks trying to get some work done.  Its funny to me how my snacking craves have changed.  In the past I would have sat here with a fancy drink loaded with calories while munching on some sort of pastry to  tie me over... but  now I think ahead and fill my purse with Zone Perfect Bars and raw almonds to snack on if I get hungry.  Changing the way I eat has really been more about changing the the way I think.  Planning ahead has been an important mental shift.  If I just sort of go with the flow of the day its harder to find something healthy to eat.  But if I think ahead and plan out a menu I usually end up making good decisions.  Another helpful mental shift has been pausing before giving into a weak moment and asking myself - "Do you really want to feel lethargic after eating that muffin?"  I also have to plan out my times of exercise while travelling.  If I don't put it into my schedule (almost like a meeting I can't miss)  I will end up missing my workout.  I am really hoping to be able to run tomorrow.  I took the past 2 days off to let my ankle heal.  I am wearing a brace on it to help reduce the swelling.  

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Twisted Ankle


Today at boot camp while running backwards I fell while going over one of the uneven parts of the field and twisted my ankle pretty bad.  It has continued to swell throughout the day.  So lots of ice and elevation for me.  I'm hoping it is better by tomorrow - although I'm a little worried to run on it.  Here is a picture of it - divert your eyes from the toes that are in need of a pedicure in the worst way.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Chicago and back to Boot Camp

Last week we went up to Chicago for 5 days. We had a great time seeing family and friends. I got to tell everyone about what I am doing in Boot Camp... they could not believe that my alarm goes off at 5 am every day - especially since I have a new baby. I was surprised with myself - I ate really well for the most part... except for the big cheat - Chicago Style Pizza. So today as I had to stay for extra credit after a killer workout - I kept asking myself - was that piece of pizza really worth it? (Actually if you have ever had REAL chicago style pizza then you know the answer is a resounding YES!) It was good to get back to boot camp today and of course there is no pizza for me anymore. :-)

Friday, August 1, 2008

End of the First Month

Friday was the end of the first month. I woke up multiple times throughout the night on thursday because I kept thinking about the mile run. I so wanted to get my time under 12:30 - but I also didn't want to set an expectation that I would not be able to meet.

The temp. was perfect on Friday. Not too humid and there was a breeze in the quiet air. I felt rested and ready. We first did our Sit-ups and Push-ups. I improved significantly.
Starting Sit-ups 26 - Ending Sit-ups 42
Starting Pushups 47 - Ending Pushups 60

Then we ran the mile. I started out well. I was trying to pace myself and keep a steady breathing pattern. After the first lap I was tired but determined. One of the boot camp instructors ran with me the whole time and another camper kept me encouraged throughout the run. After I got up that hill the second time I picked up my pace and was able to fall into a nice sprint towards the finish line.

So here are my times over the past month.
My starting time was 14:57 (4 weeks ago)
Mid-way time was 13:37 (2 weeks ago)
4 weeks into boot camp 12:15!!!!

I shaved 2 minutes and 42 seconds off of my time. I felt great. To think that I just had a baby 2 1/2 months ago and I was able to run the mile in that time was very encouraging! I have a long way to go to get in the 9 minute range... but I have the next 5 months to get there.

At the end of the first month I weighed myself. I started boot camp weighing 184 lbs. On the last day of camp I weighed 175. 9lbs in the first month! YEAH!!!! My pre-pregnancy clothes are coming!!!